The Norman occupation
For the government, following the conquest, changes were much less nuanced as William took it upon himself to radically ‘Norman ize ’ the nobility of England. Positions held from the sheriffs to the earls were replaced with equivalent Norman individuals throughout his reign (the change was not instantaneous). He also introduced Norman titles (for example, thegns no longer existed). This simple change in personnel not only allowed the King to firmly control his acquired lands, but also helped to introduce new cultural factors and to demonstrate a sense of permanence. In addition, the Normans introduced feudalism in England. This system built on existing Anglo-Saxon hierarchical structures, which suggests its implementation was not revolutionary for the existing inhabitants. However, it was new and complete as a system of government in the way pre-existing structures were not. The basis of feudalism is that one holds their position in society in order to provide for those above them from peasants providing surplus food to their lord to nobles owning land in return for military service to the king. Prior to the conquest, society was held together through bonds of lordship, the lords acting as vassals to the king, as well as having subordinate warriors based on homage and fealty paid. Further down, records like the Rectitudines Singularum Personarum prove the evident roles each individual had and how this relates to those above them through forms such as taxes. The document is demonstrative of a growing tide of Manorialism 4 in England which bears a striking resemblance to feudal society. The prime difference between Norman and Anglo-Saxon feudalism, however, was the introduction of knights and castles, and the subsequent land tenure that was used to fund such institutions. This would have been clear to the elite and those with assets. At the bottom of society, it would have been much less obvious allowing some to suggest that those living in England, more particularly rural villages, may have seen the Normans as ‘an army of occupation’ . Norman feudalism also facilitated greater centralization. Before 1066, England was split into several significant earldoms (Mercia, Wessex, Northumbria and East Anglia the most powerful) from which support for the king was key for maintaining power. For example, King Eadwig (955-959) was replaced with his brother, Edgar (959-975), after the Mercians and Northumbrians renounced their allegiance. However, as part of William’s change in personnel, these earldoms lost much of their power. This weakening of the nobility in England, as well as the new feudal structure, caused England to become more centralized in government as the King lay at the heart of all administrations (especially with actions like the Salisbury Oath of 1086 which saw all landholders of England paying fealty to the King). Under Norman rule, the Church was seemingly demoted as relations with the papacy in Rome weakened and the church came under greater secular control. Edward the Confessor was seen as having been of saintly nature, suffering for his faith, demonstrating his piety. The importance of religion to his reign can be seen through actions like his chastity or the consecration of the Abbey of St Peter (Westminster Abbey). Under his Anglo-Saxon rule, the lay and ecclesiastical hierarchies appear to have been largely integrated, as has been displayed above with bishops and earls sitting side by side in the judicial courts. This included the clergy ’s high importance with regard to administration also, such as bishops making up part of the Witenagemot. 5 Moreover, he had consistent correspondence with the Pope in Rome. However, much of this changed under William the Conqueror . Firstly, William’s contact
4 Also known as Seigneurialism, Manorialismwas an arrangement in towns that described how land was distributed and to whom the profits should go. It can be seen as a localized feudalism. 5 Also shortened to Witan, the Witenagemot was the Anglo-Saxon council or parliament which advised the kings of all matter which he wished to discuss. It was attended by both nobles and bishops.
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